TD-SCDMA (Time Division-Synchronous Code Division Multiple Access)

TD-SCDMA is a 3G format of choice for the national standard of 3G mobile telecommunication in China. TD-SCDMA was chosen as an attempt to escape dependency on the already implemented Western spread spectrum technology as using Western 3G formats calls for payment of high patent fees to a large number of western patent holders.

The launch of a national commercial TD-SCDMA network in China is still postponed and the technology is currently undergoing extensive field testing.

On January 7, 2009 China granted TD-SCDMA 3G licence to the national GSM carrier China Mobile. Networks using other 3G standards (WCDMA and CDMA2000 EV/DO) have still not been launched in China, as these are delayed until TD-SCDMA is ready. The two standards, WCDMA and CDMA-2000, are assigned to China Unicom and China Telecom, respectively.